Cablegate: Canada Provides Details for Coordination with Us for 64th

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL UN CA
SUBJECT: Canada provides details for coordination with US for 64th
UNGA

REF: OTTAWA 815; STATE 109397

1. (SBU) According to Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade (DFAIT) human rights officials, Canadian
priorities for this year's Third Committee echo those of U.S. (refs
a and b). Canada's main priorities are the adoption of the Iran
resolution and other country-specific resolutions and the defeat of
"no-action" motions to permit open debate. Canada's resolution on
the Iranian human rights situation is so that "human rights
defenders and victims of human rights violations in Iran know that
they have not been forgotten by the international community."
DFAIT's assessment is that adoption of this resolution will require
an intense global lobbying campaign in close coordination with the
U.S. Canada will also strongly support the EU-led resolutions on
the human rights situations in Burma and DPRK.

2. (SBU) Canada shares U.S. concerns with the concept of
"defamation of religions" and agrees with the U.S. approach of
seeking deferral or, failing that, voting against the resolution.
Canada is urging moderates that traditionally abstain on this
resolution to take a stronger stand in defense of human rights.
Canada has co-sponsored the Genuine Elections resolution and
anticipates its early adoption. Canada is pleased to see renewed
U.S. engagement on the Rights of the Child resolution. Canada
agrees with the U.S. analysis that the Elimination of
Discrimination against Women resolution is unlikely to come up at
this year's General Assembly, but Canada will continue to work with
the U.S. "to move this issue forward."
JACOBSON

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